Food chains open doors to new cuisines in Kashmir

Wazwan, the traditional cuisine in northern Kashmir which is known for its fresh spices and ingredients, is gradually making way for food from different parts of the world, with new outlets sprouting across Srinagar.

Locals, especially the youth, are not complaining as they have more options now.

People in the valley are now able to get a taste of the many popular delicacies, like biryani from Hyderabad, pizzas and pastas from Italy and so on at their doorstep at reasonable rates.

The younger generation is busy lapping up the food being offered at fast food outlets like ChicKing, Cafe Coffee Day and Pizza Hut.

“Wazwan is the traditional cuisine of Kashmir and it has been consumed for generations. The coming of new restaurants like Pizza Hut is good news for youngsters as when we are hungry after school or college, we head to such places,” said Harris, a young customer.

The new food joints are also offering new opportunities of employment to the residents.

Feroz Ahmad Shah, the owner of a restaurant, said that over the year, the number of such outlets has grown, offering more employment opportunities.

“These food joints will be an employment opportunity for the people. Such things also depend on the size of the population. Around 10 to 15 years back, there were six to seven restaurants in the city, but today there are so many,” said Shah.

Shah is certain that in the coming days, more such outlets will come to the city and offer meaningful employment to the people.

With new outlets opening up, it only seems to be a win-win situation for the valley. These outlets also ensure that the city has a wider range of eating options even for the tourists.

However, this boom in fast food joints does not seem to be a threat for Wazwan in any way as it remains an essential part of the lives of Kashmiris.

Marriages or any other functions are still incomplete without the flavoursome and rich Wazwan.